Abstract

This study examined regular exercisers’ perceptions of specific components of music
during circuit training. Twenty-four men (38.8 years, s = 11.8 years) and 31 women
(32.4 years, s = 9.6 years) completed two questionnaires immediately after a circuit
training class. Participants rated the importance of 13 components of music (rhythm,
melody, etc.) in relation to exercise enjoyment, and each completed the Affect Intensity
Measure (Larsen, 1984) to measure emotional reactivity. Independent t tests were used
to evaluate gender differences in perceptions of musical importance. Pearson
correlations were computed to evaluate the relationships between affect intensity, age
and importance of musical components. Consistent with previous research and
theoretical predictions, rhythm response components (rhythm, tempo, beat) were rated
as most important. Women rated the importance of melody significantly higher than did
men, while men gave more importance to music associated with sport. Affect intensity
was found to be positively and significantly related to the perceived importance of
melody, lyrical content, musical style, personal associations and emotional content.
Results suggest that exercise leaders need to be sensitive to personal factors when
choosing music to accompany exercise. Qualitative research that focuses on the
personal meaning of music is encouraged.